Events for kids and families in and around Atlanta: March 31-April 1

March 30, 2012

For most kids in Atlanta, spring break begins on Saturday. If you’re staying in town and close to home, there are plenty of family-friendly events in and around Atlanta for kids and several of them are free. So, gather the family, load up the mini van or SUV, and enjoy the kick-off to spring break in Atlanta. Here are some events to make the most of your time off this weekend.

Purina Dog Challenge at Centennial Olympic Park: Saturday, March 31, 2012 from 11:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. This premier canine sporting event is free and open to the public. It features dogs competing in a variety of “Olympic-style” events including dog diving, freestyle flying disc, head-to-head weave poles, Jack Russell hurdle racing and agility, and fly ball. The Purina Dog Challenge is a great opportunity to enjoy the beautiful spring weather, while catching some talented dogs in action. For more information about the Purina Incredible Dog Challenge, go to www.barknetwork.com.

Atlanta Fair at Turner Field: Now through April 8, 2012. Celebrating its 30th year at Turner Field in the grey parking lot, this old-fashioned fair is packed full of spectacular rides for every enthusiast, all your favorite carnival foods, and fun games for everyone. Gates open at 5:00 p.m. Monday-Friday; 12 noon on Saturday, and 1:00 p.m. on Sunday. Gate admission is $1 for kids 2-11 and $5-$8 for adults. Unlimited ride armbands are available for $25 and can be used Mon.-Thurs. 5-10 p.m. or Sat. noon-6 p.m. Otherwise, ride tickets are $1 or 28 for $25. Half Off Depot is currently offering a great deal on tickets to the Atlanta Fair. Pay just $12 for a VIP all-you-can-ride ticket ($25 value) and save $13 per ticket. Includes admission pass and unlimited access to all 40 rides. Be sure to order yours today because this is a limited time offer. To order online, go to Half Off Depot.

Easter Egg Hunts in and around Atlanta. Many city, towns and churches are holding their annual Easter egg hunts this weekend. Click on each hunt for date and time information: Tucker Annual Egg Eggstravaganza, Easter Egg Scramble in Kennesaw, Ballground Methodist Church Easter Egg Hunt, Decatur Easter Egg Hunt, Powers Ferry United Methodist Church Easter Egg Hunt. Remember to bring your own baskets and camera.

Atlanta Braves Open House at Turner Field: Saturday, March 31, 2012 from noon-4:00 p.m. The free and family-friendly Open House features behind-the-scenes tours, free interactive games, a commercial casting call, giveaways and prizes. Kids can run the bases and test their pitching skills against the radar gun. It’s a great way to celebrate the start of baseball season and spring break in Atlanta. Go Braves!

Caboose Days at Southeastern Railway Museum: Saturday and Sunday, March 31st and April 1st. Welcome spring at the museum and learn about cabooses and the crews that called them home. Special events include a craft corner, caboose slide show, refreshments, caboose hunt and temporary tattoos. Caboose rides will be available for an extra charge. This event is free with a paid admission to the museum.

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